shipping handguns

jester

Inactive
do any of you know whether or not the usps, ups, or fedex screens each package mailed? if not, why bother filling out forms and paying more if you're shipping in state?
 
A related question is about shipping guns for repairs: can I legally use options other than air mail to transfer a broken pistol to the manufacturer for warranty service?
 
IIRC, FedEx is not charging the exhorbitant usery rates like sister UPS. Or, you can declare a firearm when you are asked what's inside that rifle/SG shipping carton. :o
 
Both FedEx and UPS require handguns to be shipped Overnight Airmail and the cost is between $30 and $40. They do not screen them to my knowledge. I shipped a Browning HP back to the factory for repair before I knew this. I innocently gave the package to the clerk at FedEx (their form does not ask what's inside). It was addressed to "Browning Firearms" so I figured she would know! She asked how I wanted it to go and I said 3-day ground. Paid about $12 and away it went. Following month I saw a notice about the "rule" on this board and called FedEx to get the straight stuff. The rep told me that, yes, you must declare verbally that you are shipping a handgun and, like UPS, it must be sent overnight air. So, next month I was honest and sent a pistol overnight air and paid $38! Sooooo, it's up to you! I'm always afraid they might do random checks (x-ray or something) and so I now declare mine and pay the freight!
 
Tried to ship FedEx last week; was told "only if you have their software".

Left, went two blocks to UPS, $49 for overnight and insured the gun for $3500 (yes, it's a nice 1911).

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"All my ammo is factory ammo"
 
Here is the shipping info for the three major shipping entities

A) FEDEX: Service Guide, Terms and Conditions - Restrictions

Firearms. FedEx will only accept shipments of firearms when either the shipper or recipient is a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, licensed dealer or licensed collector and is not prohibited from making such shipments by federal, state or local regulations when these conditions are met. FedEx will accept and deliver firearms between all areas served in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Firearms must be shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight and may not be sent C.O.D. Upon presenting the package for shipment, the shipper is required to inform FedEx that the package contains a firearm. Firearms may not be shipped in one complete piece. When tendered for shipment, the firearm must be rendered inoperable, either by removing the firing pin in the gun and disconnecting the barrel, or by some other means so the package does not contain a completely assembled, usable weapon. The outside of the package should bear no label, marking, or other written notice that a firearm is contained within. This includes the abbreviation of the name of the shipper or recipient if the name would clearly indicate that the package could contain a firearm. Firearms and ammunition may not be shipped in the same package. Ammunition is always an explosive and must be shipped as Dangerous Goods. Signature release is not available for shipments containing firearms.

The shipper and recipient are required to comply with all applicable government regulations and laws including those pertaining to labeling. The local division office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) can provide assistance with the packaging and shipment of firearms.


B) UPS Tariff:
FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
Firearms will be transported only between licensed importers, licensed manufacturers, licensed dealers and licensed collectors, as defined in the United States Gun Control Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-618, enacted October 22, 1968), as amended by the Firearms Owners' Protection Act (P.L. 99-308, approved May 19, 1986, and a subsequent amendment thereto, P.L. 99-360, approved July 8, 1986) (“the Acts”), law enforcement agencies of the United States or of any department or agency thereof, and law enforcement agencies of any State or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof, and from a person not otherwise prohibited by Federal, State or local law to a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer or licensed dealer for the sole purpose of repair or customizing, and the repaired firearm or a replacement firearm of the same kind or type on return from the licensed importer, licensed manufacturer or licensed dealer to that person. The shipper must affix a label, provided by UPS, upon all shipments containing firearms. Handguns, as defined by the Acts, will only be accepted for transportation in UPS Next Day Air Services. (Handguns will not be accepted for transportation via UPS Letter Centers, Internet shipping, or by requesting a One-Time Pickup or On-Call Pickup Service). Firearms, including handguns, will not be accepted when presented for shipment at a UPS Authorized Shipping Outlet or a UPS Commercial Counter. Small arms ammunition, as defined in 49 C.F.R. Section 173.59, will be transported when packaged and labeled in compliance with 49 C.F.R. Section 172.


C) United States Postal Service, Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail
432.1 General
The following conditions apply:
a. Pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person (referred to as handguns) are nonmailable in the domestic mail except as permitted in Exhibit 432.1 and DMM C024.1.0.

Exhibit 432.1
Mailability Requirements for Firearms
Handguns may be mailed by a licensed manufacturer or dealer, an authorized federal agent, or an authorized state,
territory, or district agent ONLY when addressed to one of the following addressee categories for use in official
duties:
Addressee Affidavit Requirements
a. Officer of Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or organized reserve corps.
b. Officer of National Guard or militia of a state, district, or territory.
Mailable with affidavit signed by addressee and certificate signed by commanding officer.

c. Officer of the federal government or a state, district, or territory whose official duty is to serve warrants of
arrest or commitment.
d. USPS employees specifically authorized by the chief postal inspector.
e. Officer or employee of a U.S. enforcement agency.
Mailable with affidavit signed by addressee and certificate signed by head of agency employing the
addressee.

f. Watchman engaged in guarding federal, state, district, or territory property.
Mailable with affidavit signed by addressee and certificate signed by chief clerk of department, bureau,
or branch of government agency employing the addressee.

g. Purchasing agent or other designated member of an agency employing officers and personnel included in
c, d, or e above.
Mailable with affidavit signed by addressee and certificate signed by the head of agency stating the
firearm is to be used by an officer or employee cited in c, d, or e of the opposite column.

Unloaded Handgun
Mailer must be licensed manufacturer or dealer mailing to another licensed
manufacturer or dealer.

Addressee is FBI (or its Director) or scientific lab or crime detection bureau of any
agency whose members are federal law enforcement officers, or state, district, or
territory officers authoirzed to serve warrants of arrest or commitment.

Manufacturers or dealers must complete PS Form 1508, Statement by Shipper of
Firearms, and file with the postmaster.
Postmasters may forward an unsatisfactory mailer statement to their RCSC for a ruling.


[This message has been edited by mbott (edited June 04, 2000).]
 
It seems that an FFL can ship one the easiest, although unless you are a real good customer, you will probably pay him a surcharge. I would visit one and ask what they can do. The USPS will confiscate any firearms mailed to/from anyone but an FFL or manufacturer.
 
By the way, Airborne Express refuses to ship any firearm; not even a BB gun so be sure to boycot them alltogether.
 
These regs really suck--almost $80 in shipping even before any work is done. This really hurts the out-of-town gunsmiths. It's a great incentive though for working on your own gun.

I know of at least 1 gunsmith and gunsmithing service company that send their guns as machine parts. My hunch is that it's a common practice in the industry, at least among the small guys.
 
I am an account exec. for UPS. UPS cant open every box and check them because they would never get a package delivered and would be out of business but they do have the right to open any box they want to inspect it. Due to costs I would take my chances with the USPS. You can use their ground service(parcel post) and save about $30 on average. You cant track it like UPS and are more likely to have problems but I would do it and I work for UPS!!!
 
Here is the Emory information:
http://www.persistent.emeryworld.com/emeryweb/online_tools/terms/tandc31.asp

XXXI. SHIPMENTS SUBJECT TO SPECIAL CONDITIONS
A. Shipments requiring special devices for safe handling will be accepted only when such special devices are provided and operated by and at the expense of the Shipper or Consignee.

B. Furs, Dangerous Goods, live animals, and items with a declared or insured value of $25,000.00 (USD) or greater, must not be included in the same shipment with any other article.

C. Alcoholic beverages must be shipped from a licensed dealer or distributor to another licensed dealer or distributor and will only be accepted on an airport to airport basis.

D. Firearms must be shipped from or consigned to a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, licensed dealer or licensed collector who is not prohibited from such shipments by federal, state or local regulations, and must be sent via Emery's Constant Surveillance Service (See Section XXXVI. TRANSPORTATION PROTECTIVE SERVICES ("T.P.S")).

NOTE: The Shipper is required to comply with all applicable government regulations, laws, etc., including regulatory compliance by the Consignee. The local Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Divisional Office or local equivalent agency will supply the Shipper with needed assistance. Upon presenting the package for shipment, the Shipper is required to inform Emery personnel in writing that the package contains firearms or ammunition.

Appears that all firearms shipments must be sent next day here, too. From http://www.persistent.emeryworld.com/emeryweb/online_tools/terms/tandc27.asp

W. Additional exclusions from Second Day or Deferred Service: Mice, rats, toads, frogs or leeches destined to or originating from medical laboratories within the United States or Canada, perishable items, jewelry, furs, firearms, any item of extraordinary value, or Dangerous Goods.

But, it gets worse the farther you get into Emory's documentation:
http://www.persistent.emeryworld.com/emeryweb/online_tools/terms/tandc36.asp

XXXVI. TRANSPORTATION PROTECTIVE SERVICES ("T.P.S.")
A. At the request of the Shipper, we will handle shipments under T.P.S. from the time of acceptance from Shipper at origin to the time of delivery to Consignee at destination. T.P.S. is only available within selected United States and Canadian locations. T.P.S. is comprised of two services: Signature Security Service and Constant Surveillance Service. The Shipper must specifically request the service desired on the Emery Air Waybill.

B. Signature Security Service shall mean that each employee or our agent shall execute a signed receipt upon accepting custody of the shipment and shall obtain a signed receipt upon relinquishing custody of such shipment to another employee or our agent. On shipments tendered on behalf of the Department of Defense requesting Signature Security Service, we will use the DD Form 1907 issued by the Shipper as a signature and tally record.

1. Air Waybills, Government Bills of Lading, or other shipping documents presented to us must have the statement ''Signature Service Requested'' entered by the Shipper.

2. For Signature Security Service, a handling charge will be assessed in addition to all other applicable charges. (See Emery's Accessorial Guide for a listing of current charges).

C. Constant Surveillance Service shall mean that an employee or authorized agent shall keep the shipment in constant view and stay within 100 feet of the vehicle containing the shipment at all times when the shipment is being transferred from one mode of transportation to another. Constant Surveillance Service shipments awaiting transportation at an Emery facility will be locked in a secure room or storage facility.

D. Each employee or agent shall execute a signed receipt upon accepting custody of the shipment and shall obtain a signed receipt upon relinquishing custody of the shipment.

E. All ''Constant Surveillance Service'' shipments must be prearranged by contacting Emery at 1-800-367-3532.

F. Air Waybills, Government Bills of Lading or shipping documents presented to us must have the statement ''Constant Surveillance Requested'' and the pre-approved authorization number entered by the Shipper.

G. For Constant Surveillance Service, a handling charge will be assessed in addition to all other applicable charges. (See Emery's Accessorial Guide for a listing of current charges).

H. Constant Surveillance Service is only available in the contiguous U.S., Puerto Rico, and to selected locations in Canada.

I. Firearms must be sent via Constant Surveillance Service (See Section XXXI.D. SHIPMENTS SUBJECT TO SPECIAL CONDITIONS).


[This message has been edited by mbott (edited June 05, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by mbott (edited June 05, 2000).]
 
Only FFLs can ship firearms via USPS. Even with what my local FFL charges, sending a pistol Prioty Mail is a lot cheaper than sending it via UPS or FedEx.

Insurance is the biggest scam going. You will only be reimbursed for what you can provide a receipt for and not what the declared value of an item is. Thus if you ship a pistol that you paid $700 for and you have your receipt, insure for that. Don't insure it for $3,000 because you'll only get $700.
 
Like CORB52 I work for UPS.Packages are not screened but out of the 13 million we move a day some do occaisionally get mangaled and the contents exposed.
 
If you do not let them know that it is a firearm and you insure it and it's lost I doubt if you will be reimbursed. You can disassemble the gun and ship it in 2 different boxes as firearms parts. I don't know how much you will save by 2 boxes shipped ground vs 1 by air.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tom B:
If you do not let them know that it is a firearm and you insure it and it's lost I doubt if you will be reimbursed. You can disassemble the gun and ship it in 2 different boxes as firearms parts. I don't know how much you will save by 2 boxes shipped ground vs 1 by air.[/quote]

Tom, I don't think this will work as long as one part is the serial numbered part (i.e. receiver or frame). It's still classified as "the firearm".
 
OT but not much.

Recently my daughter was home and needed to FedEx some documents. I drove her to the FedEx location and since I had always used UPS I had never been to their location before.

As we entered I noticed a sign on the door that said something like, "For the safety of our employees and customers no firearms are permitted on these premises etc." (paraphrased but close enough for TFLers :)).

I quess it was just one of my ornrey days but as soon as the the girl at the counter finished the paper work for my daughter I asked her if I could bring some guns to ship even though the sign on the door said I couldn't bring firearms in the door. She obviously didn't have a clue what I was talking about so she said she would have to talk the manager. In a couple of minutes out comes "Mr. Executive" (probably late 20's, obviously been through an intensive 2-3 week management training course). Coversation went as follows:

Mr. Ex: Like, what's the problem here?

Me: No problem, just wanted to know if I could ship a firearm.

Mr. Ex: Well, you scared the lady hear with your question about firearms, you know.

Me: Sorry, but I don't see what's wrong with the question. Can I or can't I ship a firearm by FedEx?

Mr. Ex: Like, you know, yes you can.

Me: How can I bring it in with the sign you have on the door?

Mr. Ex: That only means we don't want people coming in with concealed guns. Like company policy, you know.

Me: How can I bring it in not concealed if it's concealed in a box to ship?

Mr. Ex: Oh, like, that doesn't count, you know.

Me: Then why don't take down your sign if bringing it in concealed a box is OK? And by the way, your sign has no legal standing anyway so why don't you just take it down an eliminate any possible conflicts.

Mr. Ex: Can't do that, like, company policy, you know.

This conversation :rolleyes: went on for a few minutes more along the same lines and I could see my daughter was getting tired of her dad bugging Mr. Ex, even though I was having a great time, so I left. It was fun though!
Made my day.

RKBA!
 
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